Stop buying dog food at stores. Here's 11 super easy, tasty treats to make right at home

Angela Brown

Contributing Writer

Dog Mom Days

Dogs and humans have a lot in common. One of those things is the love of snack time. But, like humans, dogs need to have a healthy balance of snacks and healthy foods to stay in top form. One simple way to make sure your snack-loving furry friend stays healthy is to skip the processed doggy snacks at the grocery store and start making your own at home.

If you're thinking that cooking for the human members of your family is hard enough and you're not sure if you can tackle food for the canines, check out these 11 homemade treats that are healthy, easy to make and sure to leave your pup happy.

Advertisement

1. Banana Peanut Butter Dog TreatsIt's no secret that dogs love peanut butter. But, did you know they also enjoy the sweetness of bananas? This sweet treat from DogMomDays combines peanut butter, bananas, and whole wheat flour that creatures with two legs (or four) will enjoy.

2. Pumpkin Peanut Butter BarsThe deep flavor of pumpkin combined with the sweet nuttiness of peanut butter, some eggs, and whole wheat flour make this peanut bar a flavorful option that's safe for your dog to enjoy. For a little extra flavor, use bacon grease and peanut butter to create a glaze for this sweet treat from Pinch of Yum.

3. Apple Crunch CakesThis recipe from Cesarsway is full of tasty goodness that's easy on the pup's tummy. The crunch cakes combine apple sauce, apple chips and honey for a truly indulgent dog treat. These take a while to bake, but putting rest of the "pup-"cakes together is a snap.

4. Doggy Ice cream sandwichesThese couldn't be any easier. You'll need a can of your dog's favorite canned food, a can of pumpkin and a package of your dog's favorite dog cookies. These take less than 10 minutes to prep and about and few hours to freeze. Poof a week (or more) worth of treats in minutes, thanks to this recipe from Kol's Notes.​

6. Irish Oatmeal Dog CookiesHave five minutes, a little extra veggie stock and some oatmeal? You can prep these dog treats in a snap. The treats, by Sugar the Golden Retriever, were inspired by St. Patrick's Day, but we're sure your dog will love them all year round. ​

7. Leftover Trail Mix This no frills dog mix is a great option to pack to the park or on a hiking trail. Because you'll dehydrate the food in an oven, this treat should last a bit longer than most too. Grab your dog's favorite meat, potatoes, veggies and fruit (no grapes or raisins) and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until completely dry.

8. Apple Cheddar Dog BiscuitsIf Martha Stewart recommends it, it's probably going to be good. Barley flour, oatmeal, cheese, and applesauce make this a sweet and savory dog biscuit. The dough forms like cookies so you can roll it, use cookie cutters to get the right shape.

9. Flax Seed Dog BiscuitsYour dog will love the sweetness of just a touch of sugar and you'll love that you can serve these to your favorite pooch without the guilt. The flax seed dog biscuits. Make sure to hand these out sparingly to avoid any... bathroom troubles, White on Rice Couple recommends.

10. Paw Print TreatsThese dog snacks yummy for the pup and super cute! Reminiscent of the thumbprint cookies, this fun play on the recipe is safe for your dog's stomach and make an adorable holiday gift for your pet-loving friends (or your mailman!). Head over to visit Martha Stewart for the full recipe.

11. Apple, Ginger and Lamb BallsForget the cookie cutters, this treat is stuffed full of your pup's favorites. After cooking everything, like you're frying up dinner. Let the meat cool before using egg and gluten-free flour to create these meaty treats from Kol's Notes, for your furry family friend.

Advertisement

Do you make dog treats for your pet at home? Make sure to share these recipes with your dog-loving friends on Facebook. ​